Zimbabwe Raises Gold Royalties to Capitalize on Record High Bullion Prices
Zimbabwe Introduces 10% Gold Royalty as Prices Stay Above $4,000 an Ounce
Zimbabwe is set to increase royalties on gold producers as part of its strategy to benefit from historically high global gold prices, according to the 2026 national budget presented on Thursday.
Under the revised revenue measures, gold miners will be required to pay a 10% royalty when bullion prices exceed USD 2,501 per ounce. The adjustment forms part of broader efforts to strengthen government revenues and provide greater support to local industry.
Although gold prices have eased by about 5% since reaching a record USD 4,381.21 per ounce on October 20, the precious metal has consistently traded above USD 4,000, prompting the government to revise its fiscal approach.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the royalty review is intended to ensure that the mining sector delivers a fairer contribution to the national treasury during commodity price booms, while also eliminating discrepancies between different categories of gold producers.
Zimbabwe’s economy relies heavily on gold and tobacco exports for foreign currency earnings. Major gold producers operating in the country include Kuvimba Mining House, Padenga, Caledonia Mining Corporation, and RioZim.
